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US and China Consider Official Talks on Artificial Intelligence

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • The US and China are reported to be weighing formal AI discussions
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is said to lead the US side
  • China has not yet named a counterpart for the talks

The United States and China are reported to be exploring the possibility of launching official discussions focused on artificial intelligence policy and cooperation. This development follows earlier intergovernmental engagement between the two countries on AI-related topics.

According to the Wall Street Journal, both governments are considering initiating formal talks on AI. The report states that the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, is expected to head the American delegation if the discussions proceed. Reuters stated that it was unable to independently confirm the Wall Street Journal’s account.

Beijing has not yet identified a representative to lead the Chinese side in the proposed discussions. The process for selecting a Chinese counterpart remains unannounced, and no official confirmation of the talks has been released by Chinese authorities.

Earlier, the United States and China held their first intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence in Geneva on May 14, 2024. That meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to share perspectives on various AI-related issues.

What the numbers show

  • The first US-China intergovernmental AI dialogue took place on May 14, 2024
  • One US official, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is reported to be designated for the proposed talks
  • No Chinese counterpart has been named as of the latest reports

During the Geneva meeting in 2024, representatives from both countries discussed topics including AI risks, global governance, and other areas of mutual concern. The dialogue marked the first formal exchange on artificial intelligence between the two governments.

The Wall Street Journal’s report did not specify a timeline for when the proposed official discussions might begin. Details regarding the agenda or format of the talks have not been made public.

Reuters noted that it was unable to independently verify the information published by the Wall Street Journal. No further statements from either government have been issued regarding the status of the proposed discussions.

As of now, the United States has identified a lead official for the potential talks, while China has not yet announced its representative. Both sides previously participated in an official dialogue on AI in Geneva, indicating ongoing engagement on this topic.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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